More than 100 bowlers gathered to bid farewell to club stalwart and life member Ron Hannam and his wife Gwen. The pair are moving to Hastings after many years of service to the Wanaka Bowling Club.
A dinner was held last night in their honour.
Wanaka Bowling Club president Colin Nyenhuis paid tribute to Mr Hannam, who alongside other life members Curly Morris, Norman Woods, and Betty McCormack delivered the first bowls on the new green.
Mr Hannam has held every executive position on the bowling club's committee and has represented the region as a Central Otago councillor to the New Zealand Bowls Association.
Mr Nyenhuis said the opening of the artificial surface was an ‘‘historic and emotional'' occasion, involving more than two years of planning.
‘‘This is probably one of the best bowling surfaces in the country and you definitely won't see anything newer or flasher than what is in front of you today,'' he said.
Mr Nyenhuis applauded the efforts of the club members, who gave more than 800 hours of voluntary work.
The facility, available to all residents and visitors, was made possible through funding from various community trusts
